John H. MacDonald, Jr.

John H. MacDonald, Jr., 88, of Helenville, WI passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Delavan Health Services.

John was born on May 1, 1935 in Massachusetts the son of John H. and Marjorie (Hayden) MacDonald, Sr. He grew up on the East Coast and after graduating high school, he faithfully served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. John returned to the US after his service in Vietnam and continued his military career until he retired from the Air Force in 1974. After retirement from the military, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. On June 1, 1960, he was united in marriage to Marian Nelson and the Lord blessed their union with a daughter, Michelle. John and Marian purchased a farm in Helenville, WI after John’s military career and the couple would remain there for the rest of their lives together. John and Marian did quite a bit of traveling during their retirement and they made many wonderful memories together. Besides travel, John enjoyed working on the farm, and he also competed in endurance horse racing. He will be remembered for his toughness, his stubborn personality and his love for family. John was a good man and will be missed.

He is survived by: his wife, Marian MacDonald of Helenville, WI; his grandchildren, Colleen Wenzlick and Richard (Samantha) Wenzlick; and his great-grandchildren, Brooke, Carson, Arianna, Richard, and Jerry John. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving daughter, Michelle, and his sister, Dorothy. 

A Funeral Service to honor John’s life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Gibson Family Funeral Home in Palmyra, WI (320 W. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53119). Visitation will take place from 10:00AM until the time of service at the funeral home. John’s military service will be honored at the conclusion of the funeral service. He will be laid to rest on the family farm at a later date.

Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra and Eagle, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com

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